Quote:
Originally Posted by Budapest Maverick
If you're right, than half the article doesn't make sense. If it's that obvious, why the writer says this ---> "A source close to the negotiations says Howard's representatives warned the Lakers that Howard would opt out of his contract and test the free-agent market next summer -- which has the Lakers' brass understandably nervous."
Don't get it, i thought he can be sign&traded with the new contract already signed.
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Well, I think the key line is "test the free agent market". Howard HAS to opt out in order to sign a long term deal. So unless he's going to give the team he goes to a discount by signing an extension rather than a free agent contract, he's going to opt out. The key is whether is would be a hand shake type deal, as in "ok I'm opting out just so I can re-sign with you", or if it's an opt out so he can go on a free agency tour.
Regardless, no team is going to trade for him this season and get him to sign an extension.